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TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

Read: Isaiah 9:6-7
Listen: Isaiah 9

TODAY’S MESSAGE

It’s no wonder the Christmas season has been described by many as “the most wonderful time of the year” (lyrics from the song of the same name by Andy Williams). So much of what is associated with the season evokes feelings of joy as we celebrate the birth of the One promised in Isaiah 9:6. Parties with family and friends, Christmas trees, spectacular light shows, a child’s first memorable Christmas morning and all the sights, sounds and smells of the season. Among these are the many Christmas carols and hymns which speak about that special “silent and holy night.” In fact, it’s impossible to even think about Christmas without hearing the melody and lyrics of your favorite Christmas carol in your mind.

We see songs tightly woven into the narrative of Jesus’s birth, even as far back as the first Christmas. We’ll look this week at four songs that voice the thoughts and feelings of those who experienced the first days of the newborn Messiah and King. These are sung by Mary, the mother of Jesus; Zechariah, a priest and the father of John the Baptist; the angels who announce the birth to a group of shepherds; and Simeon, a devout and righteous man earnestly awaiting the opportunity to see the Messiah. As we talk about the songs of those who were there, we remember that special morning when “the hopes and fears of all the years” were met in that Bethlehem manger (lyrics from “O Little Town of Bethlehem” by Phillips Brooks).

IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY

In your journal, reflect on this promise of the Messiah from Isaiah 9:6-7. Write about one of the roles Jesus fulfills that is most meaningful for you this Christmas season.

2023 SPIRITUAL PRACTICES

Join us all of 2023 developing a different spiritual practice each month. SPIRITUAL PRACTICES are intentional regular activities to deepen our relationship with God and mold us to be more like Jesus.

December is CELEBRATION. Keep track of our spiritual practices at beyondtheweekend.org/spiritualpractices.

Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.